Sri Lanka w/ Panoramic Train

Arrival at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. Boarding formalities and departure on a flight to Colombo. Overnight on board.

Assistance at the airport on arrival and transfer for a panoramic visit of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Polonnaruwa was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century and has amazing statues. Lankatileke, Tivanka and Thuparama are the most beautiful and largest shrine ruins and Tivanka has the best example of frescoes from the Polonnaruwa period. Gal Vihare is a stone shrine with four Buddha statues, two seated, one standing and one reclining. There is also a statue of Parakrama Bahu, all examples of Sri Lankan stone sculptures. Continue to Habarana, Sigiriya or Dambulla. Dinner and accommodation. 

Breakfast. Departure for Sigiriya to climb the "Fortress of Heaven", which is perhaps the most fantastic on the island. Also known as the "Lion Rock", it rises to a height of around 150 meters. A moat, a wall and extensive gardens, including the famous water gardens, surround the base of the rock. The journey continues to Matale. Visit the spice garden where you can see how spices are grown and processed, followed by a cooking demonstration. Enjoy a 5-minute massage and then a typical rice and curry lunch. Continue to Kandy, the last fortress of the Sri Lankan kings, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and which is currently an example of the influence of Buddhism in the country due to the temples, shrines and monasteries that keep Buddhist traditions alive. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic whose reputation and sanctity has been growing ever since the 4th century AD when the Tooth of Buddha was brought to the temple. Witness a performance of traditional dances. Dinner and accommodation. 

Breakfast. Departure for Peradeniya railway station to board the "Podi Menike" train (journey time approximately 4 hours). Train journeys are cultural experiences where the most scenic landscapes are highlighted, especially on this route between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, which passes through several man-made tunnels, beautiful mountains and tea plantations. The scenery on this train journey is truly breathtaking. Arrival in Nuwara Eliya. Visit to a tea factory and plantation and panoramic tour of the city (depending on the train's arrival time). Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast. Leave Nuwara Eliya and drive to Yala. On the way pass Ravana Waterfall and the Bridge of 9 Arches, surrounded by forest and tea plantations. In the afternoon, a jeep safari in Yala National Park. Here you can find elephants, leopards, spotted deer, crocodiles, mongoose, wild boar and buffalo, among others. More than 130 species of birds are recorded, some of which are indigenous and others migratory. Dinner and accommodation. 

Breakfast. Transfer to Galle for a city tour. Galle, once the most important port in Ceylon, is a city rich in history. It was the center of Dutch rule in the 17th century and the Galle Fort is testimony to this fact. The city of Galle is one of the best preserved colonial-era cities in Southeast Asia and has been declared a World Heritage Site. The Dutch museum and church are two famous tourist attractions in Galle. The city is also known for its delicate handmade lace and ebony carvings. Take part in a gastronomic demonstration. On this day, you will also have a spa treatment at the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.

Breakfast. At a time to be arranged locally, transfer to the airport to board the flight back to Portugal. Overnight on board.